Types of Mice

The house mouse is the best known of mice species. Found throughout the world, house mice prefer to dwell in concert with humans. These rodents are gray or brown in color and have large, rounded ears. Their muzzles are pointed and their tails scaly. House mice are omnivorous feeders and can be carriers of human diseases.

Other types of mice homeowners might encounter are deer mice and white-footed mice. Both can be distinguished from the house mouse by their bicolored tail. Deer mice generally have longer back feet and tail than white-footed mice. These two mice are of particular concern since they are known carriers of hantavirus, which humans can contract if they inhale particles from these mice’s droppings, urine or saliva.